How do I use this checklist?
Walk through the house with a pen, in the order the patient moves from bed to the bathroom and out of the front door. Tick each box that is already fine, and circle the ones that are not.
Do this in daylight first, and then once at night with the lights as you normally leave them. Some problems only show up in the dark.
The front door and porch
- Steps at the gate and porch have a handrail, or something firm to hold.
- The threshold or door track is not a trip, or it is marked with bright tape.
- The porch and steps are dry and free of moss, because rain and humidity make them slippery.
- There is a seat to sit on while putting on shoes.
- A light covers the steps after dark.
The stairs
- There is a sturdy handrail on at least one side, and it runs the whole length.
- Every step is clear of shoes, baskets and laundry.
- The edges of the steps can be seen, with contrast tape if needed.
- A light switch sits at both the top and the bottom.
- Footwear on the stairs has a grip, with no loose slippers or socks.
The bedroom
- A night light lights the way from the bed to the bathroom.
- The bed is at a height where the feet rest flat on the floor when sitting.
- The phone, glasses and water are within reach.
- There are no loose rugs or cables between the bed and the door.
- Clothes used every day sit at waist to shoulder height.
The bathroom
The bathroom is where most families should start, because floors are wet and surfaces are hard.
- The floor has a non-slip mat or treatment, and water drains away.
- A grab bar or a firm place to hold sits near the toilet and the shower.
- A plastic stool is available for showering if standing is tiring.
- The toilet seat is at a height the patient can rise from. If the toilet is a squat type, tell us, because we will plan the exercise around it.
- Soap, shampoo and a towel are within reach without stretching.
- A light and an exhaust fan work, so steam clears.
The living area and kitchen
- The main chair has arms and a firm seat, and is high enough to stand up from easily.
- Walkways are at least a shoulder-width wide, with no stacked boxes.
- Cables and mats are tidy or taped down.
- Kitchen items used daily are between waist and shoulder height.
- The back kitchen or wet kitchen floor is kept dry, and drains are clear.
How do I decide what to fix first?
Sort the circled items into three groups.
- This week: anything on the stairs, in the bathroom or between the bed and the toilet.
- This month: lighting, chairs and storage.
- Later: larger changes, such as grab bars that need fixing to a wall.
If the patient has had a fall, a stroke, or surgery, ask the physiotherapist before changing furniture heights or removing support the person relies on. Read our guides on balance and falls in older Ipoh homes and bathroom safety for elderly Malaysians.
What next?
Pair this list with the falls risk self-check to see how the patient moves. If you live outside Ipoh, send the photos and the circled items to us on WhatsApp, and we will tell you what a home visit would look at first. See also our older adult rehabilitation page.